Si Bheag Si Mhor - Turlough O'Carolan

Tune by Turlough O'Carolan in DGDGAD tuning. I've never really got on with DADGAD and was chuffed when I "discovered" this variant. I searched for as many versions as I could find to make this piece. This version was inspired by Dave Evans, William Coulter and a fantastic fast arrangement by Steve Cooney from a BBC documentary on Celtic music.

[@TheSteveGullick]

I just keep coming back to this. It is without a shadow of doubt, the finest example of this tune I've ever heard. Impeccably played. Thank you.

[@sselfless]

Since discovering this video, I find myself returning to watch and re-watch this video nearly every week. Words can't express my appreciation for your playing/arrangement here. What a gift.

[@allancopland1768]

I agree 100% This is sublimely awesome.

[@privettricker]

Outstanding. By far the best arrangement and playing available on KZbin. As a guitarist for the last 25 years, I'm humbled. Please post more Turlough O'Carolan material!

[@andyharpist2938]

Still one of the best versions I have heard.

[@keithchappell7323]

Thanks 🙂

[@hoibit]

What KZbin was made for. I come back to this year after year. Sublime, elegant, simply one guy and a guitar. Recording, not the best, but sometimes the best music can't really be captured perfectly.... How do you really capture the soul?

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

The most beautiful arrangement I have ever heard of this tune, it flows so wonderfully.

[@privettricker]

I come back to this video on a regular basis. An outstanding arrangement and a flawless performance.

[@AndreaFanciulli]

I agree. This one still remains one of my favourite version of this beautiful tune. Great job!!

[@davidmusic824]

this melody speaks to my soul like no other.

[@hyakuchomori]

Your guiter playing is marvellous, smooth and beautiful. Your performance touch a chord with me. I've downloaded your tab. Thanks!

[@jkosmdd]

Just listened to this again for the first time in a while. I'd forgotten how beautiful it is. Thanks so much.

[@sjinouck]

so, so beautiful!!! It is a great joy to listen it over and over again! Thank you very much for posting this!

[@keefchap]

Hi Stonestavern, Thanks mate. When I recorded and posted this piece I really didn't realise that people would like it so much. Thanks again for your comments. The tab turned out to be more difficult than I thought it would be. Wierd time sigs and all:)So I'm glad you like it. Cheers Keith

[@dougg6533]

It's magic, Keith. It creates an ache and soothes it, at the same time. I am in awe, and would be grateful for the tab. With my deepest appreciation and thanks.

[@ProspectorAl]

Thank you. A wonderful performance of one of my favorite tunes of all time!!

[@scundoalex]

Listened to this 3 years ago and just found my way back today. It's sounds as beautiful as it did the first time I heard it. Well done.

[@allancopland1768]

Keef. I re-found this today. I'd old and stupid and I forget things..... but I could NEVER forget this. Stunningly beautiful. I just wish the sound quality was a little bit better. This tune is special to me.

[@nathinnizzle]

this is definitely one of my favorite traditional ocarolan songs ever and i must say that this is the most beautiful composition of it i have heard...and i have heard many versions (and spellings lol) of this song. the reverb works perfectly as well. I love it :)

[@allancopland1768]

Just stunningly beautiful. Your timing is impeccable. My most favourite version of this tune ever. Love it.

[@glyncharles]

thanks for sharing this arrangement with us. the tune is haunting and filled with nuance and this arrangement speaks to both nicely.

[@robat7]

Absolutely beautiful. Transporting. Better than any words. Thank you. Jim

[@MattGregoryGuitar]

Beautiful playing and sound!

[@Dracapalley]

Just superb playing. Your video is one I often return to. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[@catman1008]

I can't stop watching this video, I even have the sound on my mp3 player. One of the best performances of this beautiful piece. Bravo!

[@KevinRoddy]

Absolutely wonderful! I've heard this many times on the celtic harp, but never on the guitar...beautiful!

[@sngbrd]

I've lost count of the number of times I've searched for and watched this video over the years - this is just incredible. Introduced me to Turlough O'Carolan's beautiful work too, so I'm utterly grateful for that, but this is just such a wonderful arrangement and performance of a gorgeous piece, I never tire of hearing it. I've attempted to learn to play it in the years since too, but have only got about half way - determined to learn it all and try to play it at least half as well as you and I'll be a happy girl! Thanks so much.

[@stmike12]

Thanks for the tab, Keef. Like somebody else said here, this is hands down the most beautiful version of this, ever. Really excellent.

[@allancopland1768]

Still does it for me. I've heard many many versions, but yours is number one. It's inspired. Very special indeed. I love it.

[@o0dominic0o]

I think it's an absolutely lovely arrangement and such relaxed playing. Captures such lovely spirit.

[@allancopland1768]

The BEST ever. Still utterly sublime. Never stop! It makes me grin from ear to ear wit sheer happiness and have shivers down my spine. . Is that not the purpose of music after all.

[@dougmcgraw]

Thank you, it's a thrill to hear this old favorite so tastefully done.

[@UsingYourIntuition]

Keith, Thank you for sharing your beautiful music and gift with us all. It was so great meeting you at The Work!! All the best to you. with love, Julie

[@tarkineWild]

Such elegant restraint and reverence in every note..stunning

[@plucknpick]

Beautiful, I am sitting here in the Ozarks at evening. You video brought tears... Great Job!

[@allancopland1768]

Just beautifully done. Cheers mate. Pure LOVE it.

[@doUcare4music]

It's your amazing, magic fingers, and your interpretation. I just want this on a loop, to bring me through the day. I could dance while I eat, sleep, & work. Thanks.

[@neilmooney1440]

This is an mazing version of this song. Really beautiful.

[@johnkiersten]

Thanks for this beautiful version - there's nothing that even compares - and extra thanks for the TAB - John

[@kate94703]

Over nearly a year, I find myself returning again and again to this beautiful video. Your arrangement is so original and yet in keeping with the whole feel of the piece. What a delight it is!

[@estrelhas]

Probably one of the best Irish songs out there...relaxing and full of spirit. Nicely done! -G

[@keefchap]

Thanks for visiting KZbin. It was so great to see you and the others on the last night. Keith

[@rmkelly1309]

Absolutely stirring!! A beautiful rendition with amazing guitar work. That's an amazing guitar and sound. I've heard umpteen versions of this but this is just hauntingly beautiful. Well done and thanks for sharing it.

[@cityhunterfan]

Very beautiful! I love this song, and you've done it great justice. Thank you for sharing.

[@angelicaluce3230]

I HAVE to add my voice to all the others - it's the first and ONLY time I've heard an O'Carolan piece played on anything other than the harp - and LOVED it. It's kinda miraculous. Thank you!

[@jayroberts6511]

Excellent version of a timeless and lovely song. Excellent playing, smooth and supple--thanks for uploading this performance.

[@wax808]

Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing the tabs and video. I really appreciator your hard work. O'Carolan was a huge influence on me as a child, I still remember all the songs. Now thanks to you I finally am learning to play it .

[@singingbowels]

Been playing this song for years but I really, really enjoyed your playing of it!

[@senderama]

I'm really enjoying playing this one - excellent arrangement - Thanks

[@fingal42]

This is my favourite arrangement of this tune. I've heard quite a few!

[@keefchap]

Hi Bardofcornwall, thanks for your comment. As I mentioned in the description, this arrangment was inspired by many different versions and gradually evolved, via my own ideas and playing style, into what you hear now. The repeating riff towards the end came about because I was hoping to build up a bit of tension before the last verse.

[@DavetheIV]

KC you are a star! I've been led to your download by 2 other players who have showcased your tab & now look forward to learning it myself. Thank you so much for sharing your hard work.

[@keefchap]

Thanks plucknpick, KZbin is a great way of sharing. I'm sitting here in the U.K. and I'm touched that my humble effort has winged it's way to the other side of The World and someone has been moved by it. Keith

[@jameshowleyhowley4030]

A beautiful interpretation of my favourite piece of music. Love it. Thanks for posting.

[@PhilFromIT]

You put so much feeling in to this I would think it was your rendition. Awesome. A fav...

[@noviceaccompanyist]

Brilliant! Thanks for the TAB. Had this tune in my head since I first listened to Chieftains 5 years & years ago. Now hope I can do it the same justice as you on day. Great stuff, lovely arrangement & wonderful of you to share it freely.

[@mariapiateti]

Thank you for great emotion !!! Your arrangement is wonderful!!!

[@o0dominic0o]

what a lovely arrangment and beautiful playing calm soothing and joyfull

[@keefchap]

Thank's everyone for your great comments....it's wonderful to get such positive feedback.

[@margotbandola]

Dear Keith... What a wonderful performance - thanks for sending the link. Glad you have enjoyed some of my stuff as well. Great to meet up with you and Frankie t'other day....hope we can get together again soon. Love & peace....Mark ( & Margot )

[@eamonsinnott6374]

Absolutely brilliant! Such feeling such wonderful guitar playing .. Carolan would have been delighted ... what a composer. If only I could play like that. Eamon Sinnot

[@sgtcharlesfloyd]

One of my favorite Irish tunes, and very well played!

[@Paljk299]

beautiful tune, beautiful arrangement, thanks.

[@gazoscreek]

Beautifully played. Thank you for posting.

[@Fabyr]

Compliments for your great interpretation of this beautiful tune!*****

[@jeenorock]

This is by far the best arrangement of this song out there! Is there any place I can find it? I would be happy to buy it

[@denverexec2000]

Well Played!! I love Dave Evans and by gosh if you haven't captured the aching beauty of this piece well!

[@Lixsna]

If I were you I'd be very, very proud of that piece of work. That is ab-so-lute-ly brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

Still anjoy listening to this. Keef, a real treat, thanks.

[@mollificent]

Really lovely! My favorite tune (and the first I ever learned to play). Well done.

[@leonthebaker]

Its a beautiful arrangement.... warm, suble and really beautiful, I have no doubt Turlough would have approved.... thanks for sharing, its the best I've come across.....

[@catman1008]

Just beautiful! Very smoothly played also.

[@LibertangoVieenrose]

Outstanding beautiful playing to this nice tune. Love it. You're a great musician. This is superb.

[@fiddlegirl79]

One of my favorite tunes to play on my fiddle! Beautifully played on your guitar!!!

[@itsthecoast]

I like your version. I never heard this tune until the other week and really wasn't all that interested in learning it until i heard your version. I'm a newbie and just hadn't had time to get to celtic yet. Guess I do now. Thanks much for making the tab available.

[@allancopland1768]

Just back for another fix of this totally wonderful rendition.

[@jesjoking]

Allan Copland II

[@ducky200]

i really love this tune definatly his best.

[@timand2037]

excellent version and very well played, thank you

[@TheSteveGullick]

Where, oh where can I find the tab for this? It's stunning.

[@sgtcharlesfloyd]

Wow! Very nice. I love this arrangement and you play it well. I play in an Irish band and that is one of our favorite tunes.

[@kate94703]

Beautiful arrangement! Thank you!

[@Lookb4youflush]

Absolutely wonderful. A beautiful song played with a lot of heart. 5*

[@TorstenMarx]

Very nice arrangament. It sound very good in the DADGAD-tuning. Thanks for this great stuff. Torsten

[@gabboet]

I have always loved William Coulter's version of this beautiful song. Yours makes justice with flying colors. Congrats! Well played! Ireland rocks

[@shahname]

Wonderful! Wonderful! Thank you so much!

[@Massimo_Milan]

Really great version! thank you for sharing it

[@gim190]

I relly love this version and your execution is great! I've downloaded the TAB. Tomorrow I'll study it. Thanks for letting us know. Please do more of this.

[@birkenweg42]

Wonderful playing. Thanks for posting.

[@Saitenspieler]

Awesome arrangement, thanks for posting it!!

[@avelbreizh]

Great ! The spirit of O'Carolan is inside

[@BibleStorm]

I've pretty much got this song down now, thanks to this video and your tab. Cheers.

[@relldoc]

Thank you very much for the tab from this nice piece.

[@allancopland1768]

Simply stunningly beautiful. My only wish is for a better recording that does justice to this piece. Even so, I have to keep coming back for more.

[@ConsilienceTeacher]

I enjoyed your rendition of this tune. One of my students included it in his senior recital two days ago, so it's high in my awareness right now.

[@fuddster000]

Great work, well executed and tastefully arranged.

[@Ruhrup]

Great version! Thanks for sharing!

[@scundoalex]

Lovely arrangement. Beautiful touch.

[@HammerHeadGarage]

Beautiful.

[@MrScott511]

Thanks for the tab! This will provide me with many hours of vain frustration. Good Job.

[@AndreaFanciulliSpiritu]

My favorite version together with William Coulter's. Grand!

[@Dershpringer]

Beautifully played, with great skill and feeling. I should also mention that it's very well recorded as well.

[@Dracapalley]

Thanks for replying. Well, for a guitar that is 'nothing special', you certainly bring it to life! A real credit to you.